By:  Emma West ‘19 and Jack McGinn ‘19

MVP–Anthony Davis–

Coming off a season where he arguably could have won the Most Valuable Player last year, Anthony Davis is poised for another big year. Davis averaged 28.1 points per game, 11.1 rebounds per game, and 2.6 blocks per game last season. Surrounded by a team with solid role players and no other real stars, Davis should be capable of carrying his team to the playoffs while putting up big numbers. Davis is arguably the best two-way player in the league, and while he will certainly have competition, it seems it’s about time he wins MVP.

Most Improved Player– Markelle Fultz–

This feels like a technicality, but it is a possibility. Markelle Fultz, the number one overall pick in the 2017 draft, missed most of last year due to injury and treatment for sports psychology issues. In 14 games, he averaged 7 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists per game, and he’s bound to make a big leap as the starting 2 guard on a Sixers team with limited depth. His per game averages should definitely increase, and if his outside shot begins to fall, he should be in position to technically be the most improved player in the NBA.

Rookie of the Year–Luka Doncic–

The European league phenom was drafted number 3 overall by the Hawks and had his rights traded to the Mavericks. A point forward on a team on the rise, Doncic should rack up the stats to take the award home. Rookie of the year is often the award that’s given out just based on statistics, and Doncic has plenty of opportunity to put up big numbers and possibly a few triple doubles to cement his case as Rookie of the Year.

Defensive Player of the Year–Rudy Gobert

The 7’1” center had the numbers to win Defensive Player of the Year last year: averaging 2.5 blocks, 0.8 steals, and 10.7 rebounds per game, he was a defensive anchor for the Jazz. Even when he’s not blocking shots, Gobert is an intimidating presence at the rim, and he forces players to alter their shots. It’s likely that Gobert will continue to improve upon his numbers while surrounded by young, developing talent, but even if he doesn’t, he should still be very much in the running for the award.

Sixth Man–JJ Redick-– Redick started last year on a Philly team with limited depth, but expect high-scoring performances from him off the bench this season.  In 2017, Redick averaged 17.1 points 3.0 assists, 2.5 rebounds per game. Being on a team with a big need for shooting with strong isolation players should present Redick with plenty of open shots. The only thing in the way of Redick’s Sixth Man of the Year chances is the potential for him to be moved into the starting lineup if Markelle Fultz struggles.

Coach of the Year– Brad Stevens–

Stevens was absolutely snubbed last year; he took a team that lost a star player the first game of the season and carried them deep into the playoffs. The Celtics were not only without Gordon Hayward for the entirety of the season but suffered the loss of Kyrie Irving in early April. Other players such as Daniel Theis and Marcus Smart missed significant portions of the season as well. Nevertheless, the Celts finished second in the Eastern Conference with a record of 55-27 and appeared in the Conference Finals. If the Celtics finish first in the Eastern conference as many expect, Stevens should be the frontrunner for Coach of the Year.

Source cited:
https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/